Escondido Protesters Challenge $67,500 ICE Training Deal

Crowds assembled on Ash Street and East Valley Parkway in Escondido on Wednesday to oppose federal immigration enforcement and the use of municipal property by agents.

Demonstrators held signs and chanted to voice dissatisfaction with the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the community. The primary target of their demands is a city contract that permits ICE officers to conduct firearms training at a local shooting range.

According to Escondido police, the agreement was originally signed in 2024 and renewed earlier this year for approximately $67,500. Protesters want city leaders to terminate this arrangement and push back against what they describe as escalating enforcement activities.

Lisa Richards, a resident who attended the rally, said she is worried about the growing footprint of immigration enforcement in Escondido. "I just want people to stand up for for what you believe in show show up, show up and vote it's all I can say," Richards said.

Organizer Pam Albergo expressed opposition to the police department allowing the federal government to utilize city property for training. She argued that the policies of the current administration are destructive to the community, particularly for the most vulnerable residents.

Escondido Council Member Consuelo Martinez joined the rally to advocate for a reduced ICE presence. She told the crowd that local leaders must listen to the impact of enforcement on construction workers and families. "You just have to open your eyes to see that there is an impact in this community construction is slow right now. There's no workers, right? And children are suffering, families are suffering, and it's not right," Martinez said.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to recent inquiries about the protest. In previous comments, ICE stated it would not comment on where officers train but noted that agents face death threats and an increase in assaults.